New York attorney general taps veteran lawyers to lead Cuomo probe

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) on Monday announced the appointment of two veteran attorneys to lead the investigation into sexual harassment allegations against by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D).

In a press release, James announced that former U.S. Attorney Joon Kim as well as Anne Clark, a specialist in employment discrimination law, would lead the probe commissioned by her office. The two will be charged with “conducting a thorough and independent investigation of, and the circumstances surrounding, allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo,” as well as his administration’s response to the allegations.

“We are committed to an independent and thorough investigation of the facts,” said James. “Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark are independent, legal experts who have decades of experience conducting investigations and fighting to uphold the rule of law. There is no question that they both have the knowledge and background necessary to lead this investigation and provide New Yorkers with the answers they deserve.”

The move was immediately cheered by Charlotte Bennett, one of multiple women who have said publicly in recent days that the governor put them in situations where they were subject to his unwanted sexual advances. Bennett in particular has accused Cuomo of making unwanted sexual comments, including asking whether she dated older men.

“The selection of Joon H. Kim and Ann L. Clark to investigate claims of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew Cuomo demonstrates that Attorney General Letitia James is taking this matter very seriously,” said Bennett’s attorney, Debra Katz.

“We are encouraged by the experience and background of the attorneys who will be investigating Charlotte’s claims and expect the investigation will extend to the claims of the other women who we know to be out there,” she added. “It is important that this investigation isn’t just centered around what Governor Cuomo said and did. It must also focus on the culture of secrecy, abuse and fear that he fostered among his staff — frequently in violation of the very laws he signed to protect workers from sexual harassment. We look forward to cooperating with the investigators.”

Cuomo is facing mounting calls to resign or face impeachment over the allegations, as well as a separate, unrelated scandal resulting from under-reported death counts related to COVID-19 in state nursing homes.

“Gov. Cuomo has repeatedly abused his power and yet has faced no accountability,” a group of New York Democratic state legislators said in a statement last week calling for Cuomo’s impeachment. “We must utilize every mechanism to lead a process commensurate with the severity of the governor’s multiple abuses of power.”

On Monday, Republicans in the New York State Assembly unveiled an impeachment article against him. GOP lawmakers acknowledge that they can’t force a vote in the Democratic-controlled legislature, but they have no intention of letting the issue fade away.